dynasty
Antoine and Ambroise eventually gave up their claims to the Principality
in exchange for Menton and Roquebrune. Jean I became
a fully-fledged and unanimous ruler of Monaco
Сharles V the Wise (Charles V le Sage), King of France from the House of
Valois, a side branch of the Capetian dynasty, 14th century
the Duke of Savoy. When Jean I returned back home, he was
treacherously taken prisoner. His wife Pomeline Fregoso
played a paramount role under these circumstances, taking
leadership and defending the Principality against all com-
ers. She did not let the enemy break in, even when the Duke
of Savoy threatened to kill her husband right under the
walls of Monaco. In response, she vowed never to surren-
der. Luckily, the Duke of Savoy did not carry out his threats
and continued the siege. Pomeline Fregoso must have had
incredible mental and physical strength not to yield and to
At the end of his life, the Lord of
Monaco, Jean I had only one major
concern — an heir
146 / Hello Monaco Summer–Autumn 2018
not let down her people in those hard times. The Duke of
Savoy eventually released Jean I after a year of captivity. The
siege was lifted, and in 1440 the Duke of Milan renounced
his rights to Monaco, making it independent again.
At the end of his life, the Lord of Monaco, Jean I had only
one major concern — an heir. Out of all his children, only
one of his sons Catalan and his daughter Bartolomea
lived to be adults. He also had a granddaughter Clau-
dine. Catalan thus inherited the Monaco throne after
his father’s death in 1454.
On April 5, 1454, Lord Jean I established the rules of succes-
sion for the Grimaldi clan. The throne of Monaco thus had to
pass from father to elder son. Only if there were no male de-
scendants would the eldest daughter take over the throne.
And only on the condition that she married a direct or indirect
descendant of the Grimaldis. And their heirs should take the
name and coat of arms of the Grimaldi family. These rules of
inheritance are true to this day.